A caffeine pre-treatment and sole effect of bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived conditioned media on hyperglycemia-suppressed fertilization.

As a common metabolic disorder, hyperglycemia (HG) affects and disrupts the physiology of various systems in the body. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been used to control the complications of disease. Most of the therapeutic properties of MSCs are attributed to their secretome. This study aimed to investigate the effects of conditioned media extracted from sole or caffeine pre-treated bone-marrow-derived MSCs on hyperglycemia-induced detrimental impact on some aspects of reproduction. The HG was induced by intraperitoneally injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (110 mg/kg). Twenty-four male Wistar rats (190 ± 20 g) were divided into control, HG, and the hyperglycemic groups receiving conditioned media of proliferated MSCs solely (CM) or MSCs pre-treated with caffeine (CCM). During the 49-day treatment, body weight and blood glucose were measured weekly. Finally, HbA1c, spermatogenesis development, sperm count, morphology, viability, motility, chromatin condensation, and DNA integrity were examined. Also, testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde, sperm fertilization potential, and pre-implantation embryo development were evaluated. A one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests were used to analyze the quantitative data. The p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The CM and with a higher efficiency, the CCM remarkably (p < 0.05) improved body weight and HG-suppressed spermatogenesis, enhanced sperm parameters, chromatin condensation, DNA integrity, and TAC, reduced HbA1c, sperm abnormalities, and malondialdehyde, and significantly improved pre-implantation embryo development versus HG group. The conditioned media of MSCs solely (CM) and more effectively after pre-treatment of MSCs with caffeine (CCM) could improve spermatogenesis development, sperm quality, pre-implantation embryo development, and testicular global antioxidant potential during hyperglycemia.

Response to hormonal treatment and conception rates of Sahiwal cows subjected to fixed time artificial insemination in pastoral dairy systems.

This study aimed at determining factors influencing response of Sahiwal cows/heifers to fixed time artificial insemination protocol in pastoral systems in Kenya. Available cows/heifers were inspected for conformity to Sahiwal breed characteristics, parity, body condition score, and subsequently rectal palpation to determine pregnancy status, ovarian structures, and estimated ovarian diameter. Consequently, these animals were injected with 100 µg of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. On days 7 and 9, only responsive cows/heifers were injected with 500 µg of cloprostenol and 100 µg of gonadorelin Acetate, respectively. On day 10, animals were inseminated and separated from bulls for 45 days and pregnancy diagnosis done after 90 days. Analysis of variance was performed to determine the effects of production system, parity, and ovarian structures on ovary diameters pre- and post-hormonal treatment. Logistic regression was used fitting a logit function to account for the binomial distribution of conception. Overall, 56.2%, 23.1%, and 20.7% of the animals had follicles (F), corpus luteum (CL), and corpus albicans (CA), respectively, at day 0, and 16.6%, 68.6%, and 14.8%, respectively, at day 7. Human and environmental factors had no influence on conception. Among the animal factors, only the ovarian structures at day 7 had a significant effect on conception. Ovaries with CL at this time were about 6 times significantly more likely to conceive than those with F. For higher conception rates, animals with ovaries with CL should be recruited into the FTAI program as they are significantly more likely to conceive than those with other ovarian structures.

Conservação de peças anatômicas em cloreto de sódio: um estudo com produto de fecundação / Conservation of anatomical parts in sodium chloride: a study with fertilization product / Conservación de partes anatómicas en cloruro sódico: un estudio con producto de fertilización

Introdução: Os materiais de origem humana geralmente são conservados em formaldeído, para possibilitar o estudo da anatomia humana, tal conservante possui baixo custo e boa fixação, contudo é toxico. Diante do exposto é necessário, o estudo de outros métodos de conservação, menos prejudiciais, como a solução de NaCl 30%. Objetivo: Comparar a conservação de peças anatômicas em solução de NaCl à 30% e formaldeído a 10%. Método: Pesquisa experimental, exploratória e descritiva, realizada com dois produtos de abortamento, no laboratório de anatomia de uma universidade pública, no estado do Paraná/BR. Foi realizada fixação em solução de formol 10%, em seguida uma amostra foi lavado em água corrente e armazenado em solução de NaCl à 30%. Após 6 meses da conservação em solução salina, foram coletadas amostras, estas foram submetidas a análise de crescimento bacteriano. Avaliou-se tonalidade e turgor cutâneo, odor e peso, bem como crescimento bacteriano. O estudo seguiu os preceitos éticos (CAAE: 53740121.9.0000.9247). Resultados: Foram realizadas observações após 24h, 7, 30, 60, 90 e 180 dias. O feto em solução de NaCl não possui odor, e diminuição do turgor da pele. Ambas a amostras não apresentaram crescimento bacteriano. Considerações finais: A solução de NaCl a 30% desidrata a pele, mas não altera significativamente a forma e estrutura, ainda não possui odor e nem toxicidade, o que garante benefícios a saúde de quem os manipula, bem como tal concentração de NaCl inibe de forma efetiva o crescimento bacteriano nos tecidos e na própria solução, se demostrando eficaz na conservação.

Introduction: The materials of human origin are usually preserved in formaldehyde, to enable the study of human anatomy, this preservative has low cost and good fixation, however it is toxic. Therefore, it is necessary to study other less harmful preservation methods, such as 30% NaCl solution. Objective: To compare the preservation of anatomical specimens in 30% NaCl solution and 10% formaldehyde solution. Method: Experimental, exploratory and descriptive research, carried out with two abortion products, in the anatomy laboratory of a public university, in the state of Paraná/BR. Fixation in 10% formaldehyde solution was performed, after which a sample was washed in running water and stored in a 30% NaCl solution. After 6 months of preservation in saline solution, samples were collected and submitted to bacterial growth analysis. Skin tone and turgor, odor, weight, and bacterial growth were evaluated. The study followed the ethical precepts (CAAE: 53740121.9.0000.9247). Results: Observations were made after 24h, 7, 30, 60, 90 and 180 days. The fetus in NaCl solution had no odor, and decreased skin turgor. Both samples showed no bacterial growth. Final considerations: The 30% NaCl solution dehydrates the skin, but does not alter significantly the shape and structure, and also has no odor or toxicity, which guarantees health benefits to those who handle them, and such concentration of NaCl inhibits effectively the bacterial growth in the tissues and in the solution itself, proving to be effective in conservation.

Introducción: Los materiales de origen humano suelen conservarse en formol, para posibilitar el estudio de la anatomía humana, este conservante tiene bajo coste y buena fijación, sin embargo es tóxico. Por ello, es necesario estudiar otros métodos de conservación menos nocivos, como la solución de NaCl al 30%. Objetivo: Comparar la conservación de especímenes anatómicos en solución de NaCl al 30% y en solución de formaldehído al 10%. Método: Investigación experimental, exploratoria y descriptiva, realizada con dos abortos, en el laboratorio de anatomía de una universidad pública, en el estado de Paraná/BR. Fue realizada fijación en solución de formaldehído al 10%, después de lo cual la muestra fue lavada en agua corriente y almacenada en solución de NaCl al 30%. Tras 6 meses de conservación en solución salina, se recogieron las muestras y se sometieron a análisis de crecimiento bacteriano. Se evaluaron el tono y la turgencia de la piel, el olor, el peso y el crecimiento bacteriano. El estudio siguió los preceptos éticos (CAAE: 53740121.9.0000.9247). Resultados: Las observaciones se realizaron después de 24h, 7, 30, 60, 90 y 180 días. El feto en solución de NaCl no tenía olor, y la turgencia de la piel disminuyó. Ambas muestras no mostraron crecimiento bacteriano. Consideraciones finales: La solución de NaCl al 30% deshidrata la piel, pero no altera significativamente la forma y estructura, además no tiene olor ni toxicidad, lo que garantiza beneficios para la salud de quienes los manipulan, y dicha concentración de NaCl inhibe eficazmente el crecimiento bacteriano en los tejidos y en la propia solución, demostrando ser eficaz en la conservación.

Genital defects seen in sons of men taking major diabetes drug.

Large study hints that taking metformin before conception could raise risk of birth defects by affecting sperm.

Modulatory effects of R10 fraction of garlic (Allium sativum L.) on hormonal levels, T cell polarization, and fertility-related genes in mice model of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an inflammatory endocrine-metabolic disorder related to reproductive system characterized by polycystic ovarian morphology, androgen excess, and chronic anovulation. Current treatments haven't been very successful in PCOS treatment and the problem still remains as a challenge. Therefore, new approaches should be applied to overcome the disease. Previous studies demonstrated immunomodulatory effects of R10 fraction of garlic in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as cancer. Considering previous studies suggesting immunomodulatory therapy for PCOS, therapeutic effects of R10 fraction was evaluated in a mouse model of PCOS. To do so, PCOS was developed by intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate. Treatment with R10 fraction, isolated from garlic, was performed and the alterations in hormonal levels (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone), T cell polarization markers (IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17), and expression of fertility-related genes (Gpx3 and Ptx3) were evaluated. The results showed that hormonal levels were elevated in PCOS model comparing to normal animals but were markedly modulated after treatment with R10 fraction. Moreover, a severe disturbance in T cell polarization with a significant reduction of fertility-related genes expression were detected in PCOS-induced ovaries. Treatment with R10 fraction also represented modulatory effects on T cell polarization by increasing IL-4 and decreasing IL-17 and IFN-γ levels. Accordingly, fertility-related genes were also modulated following treatment with R10 fraction in PCOS. Our study elucidated that R10 fraction of garlic possess immunomodulatory effects alleviating PCOS symptoms. This approach could be adjusted to give rise the optimum therapeutic results and considered as a candidate therapeutic approach for PCOS.

Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as affected by NPK fertilization.

Nutrient use efficiency is crucial for increasing crop yield and quality while reducing fertilizer inputs and minimizing environmental damage. The experiments were carried out in silty clay loam soil of Lalitpur, Nepal, to examine how different amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) influenced crop performance and nutrient efficiency indices in wheat during 2019/20 and 2020/21. The field experiment comprised three factorial randomized complete block designs that were replicated three times. N levels (100, 125, 150 N kg ha-1), P levels (25, 50, 75 P2O5 kg ha-1), and K levels (25, 50, 75 K2O kg ha-1) were three factors evaluated, with a total of 27 treatment combinations. Grain yields were significantly increased by N and K levels and were optimum @ 125 kg N ha-1 and @ 50 kg K2O ha-1 with grain yields of 6.33 t ha-1 and 6.30 t ha-1, respectively. Nutrient levels influenced statistically partial factor productivity, internal efficiency, partial nutrient budget, recovery efficiency, agronomic efficiency, and physiological efficiency of NPK for wheat. Nutrient efficiency was found to be higher at lower doses of their respective nutrients. Higher P and K fertilizer rates enhanced wheat N efficiencies, and the case was relevant for P and K efficiencies as well. Wheat was more responsive to N and K fertilizer, and a lower rate of P application reduced N and K fertilizer efficiency. This study recommends to use N @ 125 kg ha-1, P2O5 @ 25 kg ha-1 and K2O @ 50 kg ha-1 as an optimum rate for efficient nutrient management in wheat in mid-hills of Nepal.

Effects of Dithiothreitol on Fertilization and Early Development in Sea Urchin.

The vitelline layer (VL) of a sea urchin egg is an intricate meshwork of glycoproteins that intimately ensheathes the plasma membrane. During fertilization, the VL plays important roles. Firstly, the receptors for sperm reside on the VL. Secondly, following cortical granule exocytosis, the VL is elevated and transformed into the fertilization envelope (FE), owing to the assembly and crosslinking of the extruded materials. As these two crucial stages involve the VL, its alteration was expected to affect the fertilization process. In the present study, we addressed this question by mildly treating the eggs with a reducing agent, dithiothreitol (DTT). A brief pretreatment with DTT resulted in partial disruption of the VL, as judged by electron microscopy and by a novel fluorescent polyamine probe that selectively labelled the VL. The DTT-pretreated eggs did not elevate the FE but were mostly monospermic at fertilization. These eggs also manifested certain anomalies at fertilization: (i) compromised Ca2+ signaling, (ii) blocked translocation of cortical actin filaments, and (iii) impaired cleavage. Some of these phenotypic changes were reversed by restoring the DTT-exposed eggs in normal seawater prior to fertilization. Our findings suggest that the FE is not the decisive factor preventing polyspermy and that the integrity of the VL is nonetheless crucial to the egg's fertilization response.

SRT1720 enhances maturity and quality of oocytes in aged mice.

This study aims to investigate the morphology and distribution of mitochondria, spindles, and chromosomes in oocytes of aged mice and examine the effects of SRT1720 on oocyte maturation. C57BL/6J mice were divided into young (4-8 weeks) and aged groups (48-52 weeks). In vitro maturation media contained (0.05, 0.1, and 1.0 µM) SRT1720 and 0.1-µM dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO control). The rate of chromosome misalignment and spindle misorientation in oocytes of aged mice were significantly higher than that of young mice (P < 0.01). Fluorescence intensity of mitochondria from oocytes of aged mice was significantly lower than that of young mice (P < 0.01). SRT1720 at 0.1 µM significantly improved oocyte maturation, fertilization, and blastocyst formation in aged mice compared with young mice (P < 0.01). Additionally, immunofluorescence intensity of mitochondria, normal spindle morphology, and chromosome alignment were notably enhanced with SRT1720 when compared with the DSMO control group for metaphase II (MII)-stage oocytes matured in vitro (P < 0.01); 0.1-µM SRT1720 enhanced the expression level of SRIT1 in oocytes from aged mice. In summary, the aged mice oocytes showed increased nuclear and cytoplasmic defects, whereas SRT1720 enhanced oocyte maturation and quality. We concluded that 0.1-µM SRT1720 was an appropriate concentration for in vitro maturation media.

Soluble adenylyl cyclase inhibition prevents human sperm functions essential for fertilization.

Soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC: ADCY10) has been genetically confirmed to be essential for male fertility in mice and humans. In mice, ex vivo studies of dormant, caudal epididymal sperm demonstrated that sAC is required for initiating capacitation and activating motility. We now use an improved sAC inhibitor, TDI-10229, for a comprehensive analysis of sAC function in mouse and human sperm. In contrast to caudal epididymal mouse sperm, human sperm are collected post-ejaculation, after sAC activity has already been stimulated. In addition to preventing the capacitation-induced stimulation of sAC and protein kinase A activities, tyrosine phosphorylation, alkalinization, beat frequency and acrosome reaction in dormant mouse sperm, sAC inhibitors interrupt each of these capacitation-induced changes in ejaculated human sperm. Furthermore, we show for the first time that sAC is required during acrosomal exocytosis in mouse and human sperm. These data define sAC inhibitors as candidates for non-hormonal, on-demand contraceptives suitable for delivery via intravaginal devices in women.

Melatonin and Myo-Inositol: Supporting Reproduction from the Oocyte to Birth.

Human pregnancy is a sequence of events finely tuned by several molecular interactions that come with a new birth. The precise interlocking of these events affecting the reproductive system guarantees safe embryo formation and fetal development. In this scenario, melatonin and myo-inositol seem to be pivotal not only in the physiology of the reproduction process, but also in the promotion of positive gestational outcomes. Evidence demonstrates that melatonin, beyond the role of circadian rhythm management, is a key controller of human reproductive functions. Similarly, as the most representative member of the inositol's family, myo-inositol is essential in ensuring correct advancing of reproductive cellular events. The molecular crosstalk mediated by these two species is directly regulated by their availability in the human body. To date, biological implications of unbalanced amounts of melatonin and myo-inositol in each pregnancy step are growing the idea that these molecules actively contribute to reduce negative outcomes and improve the fertilization rate. Clinical data suggest that melatonin and myo-inositol may constitute an optimal dietary supplementation to sustain safe human gestation and a new potential way to prevent pregnancy-associated pathologies.

Metal ion fluxes controlling amphibian fertilization.

Mammalian oocytes undergo major changes in zinc content and localization to be fertilized, the most striking being the rapid exocytosis of over 10 billion zinc ions in what are known as zinc sparks. Here, we report that fertilization of amphibian Xenopus laevis eggs also initiates a zinc spark that progresses across the cell surface in coordination with dynamic calcium waves. This zinc exocytosis is accompanied by a newly recognized loss of intracellular manganese. Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence and analytical electron microscopy reveal that zinc and manganese are sequestered in a system of cortical granules that are abundant at the animal pole. Through electron-nuclear double-resonance studies, we rule out Mn2+ complexation with phosphate or nitrogenous ligands in intact eggs, but the data are consistent with a carboxylate coordination environment. Our observations suggest that zinc and manganese fluxes are a conserved feature of fertilization in vertebrates and that they function as part of a physiological block to polyspermy.

Potassium Fertilization Stimulates Sucrose-to-Starch Conversion and Root Formation in Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.).

A field experiment was established to study sweet potato growth, starch dynamic accumulation, key enzymes and gene transcription in the sucrose-to-starch conversion and their relationships under six K2O rates using Ningzishu 1 (sensitive to low-K) and Xushu 32 (tolerant to low-K). The results indicated that K application significantly improved the biomass accumulation of plant and storage root, although treatments at high levels of K, i.e., 300-375 kg K2O ha-1, significantly decreased plant biomass and storage root yield. Compared with the no-K treatment, K application enhanced the biomass accumulation of plant and storage root by 3-47% and 13-45%, respectively, through promoting the biomass accumulation rate. Additionally, K application also enhanced the photosynthetic capacity of sweet potato. In this study, low stomatal conductance and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) accompanied with decreased intercellular CO2 concentration were observed in the no-K treatment at 35 DAT, indicating that Pn was reduced mainly due to stomatal limitation; at 55 DAT, reduced Pn in the no-K treatment was caused by non-stomatal factors. Compared with the no-K treatment, the content of sucrose, amylose and amylopectin decreased by 9-34%, 9-23% and 6-19%, respectively, but starch accumulation increased by 11-21% under K supply. The activities of sucrose synthetase (SuSy), adenosine-diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), starch synthase (SSS) and the transcription of Susy, AGP, SSS34 and SSS67 were enhanced by K application and had positive relationships with starch accumulation. Therefore, K application promoted starch accumulation and storage root yield through regulating the activities and genes transcription of SuSy, AGPase and SSS in the sucrose-to-starch conversion.

Fertilization and development of Arbacia lixula eggs are affected by osmolality conditions.

The sea urchin Arbacia lixula coexist with Paracentrotus lividus in the Mediterranean, but the two sea urchin species are quite different from each other. Concerning the female gamete, A. lixula eggs are much darker than those of P. lividus due to the characteristic pigmentation. Upon insemination, the fertilization envelope formed by A. lixula eggs is remarkably thinner than that of P. livius eggs, which implies that the cortical organization of the eggs in the two species may be quite different. In this communication, we examined the phenotypic plasticity of A. lixula eggs in the changing osmolality. The plasma membrane, cortical actin cytoskeleton and vesicles are extensively altered in the eggs exposed to 40% seawater for 15 min. When fertilized, the Ca2+ response in these eggs was significantly compromised and the sperm often failed to enter the eggs. Remarkably, the pattern of the Ca2+ response was restored when these eggs were transferring back to the natural seawater before fertilization, while the actin cytoskeleton partially reverted to the original state. Nonetheless, these eggs restored in seawater failed to regain the innate sperm receptivity that allows only one sperm to enter in natural seawater. Thus, the ability to guide monospermic fertilization is lost by water entry into the eggs, and the eggs incorporated either multiple or no sperm. On the other hand, eggs briefly exposed to hypertonic seawater exhibited no evident morphological anomaly. Nonetheless, the monospermic eggs that experienced a brief exposure (15 min) to hypertonic seawater prior to fertilization in natural seawater displayed a subtly altered sperm-induced Ca2+ response and morpho-functional anomaly around the pluteus stage. Our results suggest that A. lixula eggs attain only a limited extent of cytological plasticity, and that the osmolality shock affects the physical nature of the egg surface which in turn affects the developmental programming.

Amelioration of sperm fertilizability, thyroid activity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in rabbit bucks treated with phytogenic extracts.

This study investigated the beneficial effect of phytogenic extracts on semen quality, reproductive hormones, thyroid activity, immunity, hepatic antioxidant activity, and fertility in rabbit bucks. We divided 70 bucks into seven groups (10 in each). Group 1 was fed a basal diet (control); groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed the control diet with 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg of turmeric, respectively; and groups 5, 6, and 7 were fed the control diet with 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg of garlic extract, respectively, for 8 weeks. Rectal and skin temperatures decreased, while follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, testosterone, immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 in blood serum and glutathione peroxidase in the liver increased in all groups (p < .05). Garlic extract (100 mg/kg diet) increased adenosine triphosphate and glutathione in the liver tissues. All treatments significantly increased net semen volume, percentages of progressive motility, livability, curled tail, and intact acrosomes of spermatozoa, sperm cell concentration, and outputs of total and motile spermatozoa, while significantly decreased percentage of sperm abnormality. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of turmeric or garlic extract can be used as a suitable tool for enhancing the hepatic antioxidant activity, immunity, and semen quality in rabbit bucks.

The effect of Myo-inositol on fertility rates in poor ovarian responder in women undergoing assisted reproductive technique: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Poor ovarian response to gonadotropin is a significant challenge in assisted reproductive technique (ART) and affect 9-24% of ART cycles. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Myo-inositol on fertility rates in poor ovarian responder women undergoing assisted reproductive technique. METHODS: This study is a double-blinded randomized controlled study that involved 60 poor ovarian responders included in an ICSI program and divided into two groups; intervention group: 30 patients who have been assuming Inofolic (4 g myo-inositol + 400 µg folic acid) for the before the enrollment day; control group: 30 patients assuming folic acid (400 µg) for the same period. Controlled ovarian stimulation was performed in the same manner in the two groups. The main outcomeswere the assessment of oocytes retrievednumber and quality, ovarian sensitivity index,required dose of Gonadotropinsunits × 1000), fertilization rate, biochemical, and clinical pregnancy rate. RESULT: There is no significant difference in clinical characteristics between study groups. The number of oocytes retrieved, number of MII oocytes, number of embryos transferred, chemical, and clinical pregnancy were higher in the intervention group. However, they are not statistically significant in comparison to the control group. The ovarian sensitivity index and fertilization rate were significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (P > 0.05). The required dose of gonadotropin significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the supplementation myo-inositol in poor ovarian responders significantly improved the ART outcomes such as fertilization rate gonadotropin, ovarian sensitivity index (OSI) and significantly reduced the required unities of gonadotropin. Additionally, more extensive randomized controlled studies are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20180515039668N1 , retrospectively registered since 2020-03-16.

Effects of phthalates on the functions and fertility of mouse spermatozoa.

Phthalates are common environmental pollutants that are presumed to negatively impact male fertility including animals and humans. Particularly, these potential xenoestrogens may alter male fertility by binding to specific sperm receptors. Although several studies have characterized the toxic effects of single phthalates, epidemiological studies indicate that humans are typically exposed to phthalate mixtures. Here, we tested an environmental-related phthalate combination composed of 21 % di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 15 % diisononyl phthalate, 8% diisobutyl phthalate, 15 % dibutyl phthalate, 35 % diethyl phthalate, and 5% benzylbutyl phthalate. Specifically, the effects of short-term exposure (90 min) to various concentrations (1, 10, 100, and 500 µg/mL) of this phthalate mixture on several important sperm processes, oocyte fertilization, and embryo production were assessed. All phthalate concentrations significantly decreased sperm motility and hyperactivity by compromising the sperm's ability to generate ATP. Additionally, short-term phthalate exposure (>10 µg/mL) also induced abnormal capacitation and the acrosome reaction by upregulating protein tyrosine phosphorylation via a protein kinase-A-dependent pathway. Furthermore, phthalate exposure (particularly at doses exceeding 10 µg/mL) significantly affected fertilization and early embryonic development. Together, our findings indicate that the studied phthalate mixtures adversely affected sperm motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction, which resulted in poor fertilization rates and repressed embryonic development. Moreover, the lowest-observed-adverse-effect dose of the phthalate mixture tested can be assumed to be < 1 µg/mL in vitro.

High maternal folic acid intake around conception alters mouse blastocyst lineage allocation and expression of key developmental regulatory genes.

Folate, a cofactor for the supply of one-carbon groups, is required by epigenetic processes to regulate cell lineage determination during development. The intake of folic acid (FA), the synthetic form of folate, has increased significantly over the past decade, but the effects of high periconceptional FA intake on cell lineage determination in the early embryo remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of maternal high FA (HFA) intake on blastocyst development and expression of key regulatory genes. C57BL/6 adult female mice were fed either Control diet (1 mg FA) for 4 weeks before conception and during the preimplantation period (Con-Con); Control diet for 4 weeks preconception, followed by HFA (5 mg FA) diet during preimplantation (Con-HFA); or HFA diet for 4 weeks preconception and during preimplantation (HFA-HFA). At E3.5, blastocyst cell number, protein, and mRNA expression were measured. In HFA-HFA blastocysts, trophectoderm cell numbers and expression of CDX2, Oct-4, and Nanog were reduced compared with Con-Con blastocysts; Con-HFA blastocysts showed lower CDX2 and Oct-4 expression than Con-Con blastocysts. These findings suggest periconceptional HFA intake induces changes in key regulators of embryo morphogenesis with potential implications for subsequent development.

Antioxidant enrichment of rooster semen extenders - A systematic review.

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the potential benefits of antioxidant enrichment of semen extenders. These substances are used to combat oxidative stress during processing and conservation of rooster semen. A literature search was performed in June 2020 using the keywords rooster AND (semen OR spermatozoa OR sperm OR ejaculate OR ejaculation). This report followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. The PICO (population intervention comparison outcome) question was defined to compare roosters (Population) which had added antioxidants in the semen (Intervention) compared to the no-antioxidant group (Control); the outcome was semen quality (Outcome). Only articles investigating rooster cooled or frozen enriched semen with antioxidant extenders (Gallus Gallus domesticus) were selected by reading the title and abstract, totalizing 38 articles. After full text reading, we found that only 13 studies carried out sperm characteristics and fertility assays. To assess article quality, 15 items related to rooster breeding conditions, seminal collection methodology, and analyzed variables (seminal characteristics and fertility test) were established. There were positive effects of antioxidants on the preservation of seminal characteristics (motility, viability, membrane integrity, antioxidant activity, and lipid peroxidation) and on semen fertility after the conservation process. We conclude that the antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress and improve fertilizing capacity. The most used substances for cooled semen are glutathione, CoQ10, and l-carnitine; whereas for frozen semen, resveratrol, lycopene, and quercitin are most frequently used.

Effects of exposure to methylglyoxal on sperm motility and embryonic development after fertilization in mice.

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a precursor for the generation of endogenous advanced glycation end-products involved in various diseases, including infertility. The present study evaluated the motility and developmental competence after in vitro fertilization of mouse sperm which were exposed to MG in the capacitation medium for 1.5 h. Sperm motility was analyzed using an SQA-V automated sperm quality analyzer. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA damage were assessed using flow cytometry. The matured oocytes were inseminated with MG-exposed sperm, and subsequently, the fertilization and embryonic development in vitro were evaluated in vitro. The exposure of sperm to MG did not considerably affect the swim-up of sperm but resulted in a deteriorated sperm motility in a concentration-dependent manner, which was associated with a decreased mitochondrial activity. However, these effects was not accompanied by obvious ROS accumulation or DNA damage. Furthermore, MG diminished the fertilization rate and developmental competence, even after normal fertilization. Collectively, a short-term exposure to MG during sperm capacitation had a critical impact on sperm motility and subsequent embryonic development after fertilization. Considering that sperm would remain in vivo for up to 3 days until fertilization, our findings suggest that sperm can be affected by MG in the female reproductive organs, which may be associated with infertility.

Transgenerational Effects of Hexavalent Chromium on Marine Medaka (Oryzias melastigma) Reveal Complex Transgenerational Adaptation in Offspring.

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] pollution is one of most serious heavy metal pollutants in the coastal area and posed serious threats to marine organisms and human beings. Many studies have been conducted on its toxicological effects on living organisms from morphological to physiological aspects. However, there are few studies about the transgenerational toxicological of Cr(VI). In this study, we exposed adult marine medaka fishes with Cr(VI) and their offspring with Cr(VI) to examine transgenerational effects of Cr(VI). We found that there were mechanisms such as changing reproduction modes in males to compensate for impacts on the reproduction. There were differences and similarities between the parental effect and the environmental effect, with the former one causing more serious adverse effects on the offspring of Cr(VI)-exposed fish. It was noteworthy that there was an interaction between the parental and offspring treatment which leads to the attenuation of the parental effects on offspring when the offspring also underwent the same treatment. In addition, physiological adaptation has also been observed in fish to improve their fitness. Overall, effects of Cr(VI) on fish and their offspring were studied to pave a way to study the of mechanisms of adaptation.